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Truth or Consequences is a distinctive city situated in the U.S. state of New Mexico, functioning as the county seat of Sierra County. The population of Truth or Consequences according to the 2020 census is 6,052. The city is mostly known for its unique name, which was chosen in March 1950 after the popular radio program “Truth or Consequences“. Though the official name lacks punctuation, changing this name usually results in its hyphenation (Truth-or-Consequences, T-or-C) to improve clarity.
Hot springs abound in the area that encompasses Truth or Consequences. Early in the late 19th century, John Cross Ranch—above Geronimo Springs—established the first public bath in the area. The hot springs lie inside the Hot Springs Artesian Basin. Despite the presence of natural hot springs, the development of notable settlement in the area was notably postponed until the Elephant Butte Dam and reservoir were built, starting in 1912 and ending with their completion in 1916. Approved by the Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902, the Rio Grande Project was a major early effort in large-scale irrigation dependent on the dam. Officially founded as Hot Springs in 1916, the town later became the seat of Sierra County in 1937. Mostly serving guests, Hot Springs had forty different natural-hot-spring spas by the late 1930s.
A contest on a radio program led to the name change of the city from Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences. Ralph Edwards, the host of the NBC Radio quiz show “Truth or Consequences,” said in March 1950 that he would air the program on its tenth anniversary from the first town that decided to rename itself after the show. Hot Springs officially changed its name on March 31, 1950; the program was broadcast from the site the next evening. Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next 50 years; this event came to be known as Fiesta. The Fiesta eventually included a stage performance, a beauty pageant, and a procession. Celebrating local dignitaries, the Miss Fiesta pageant queen from past year, and the Hatch Chile Queen pageant winner, the city hosts Fiesta every first weekend of May. Fiesta is a dance event held in Ralph Edwards Park.
Together, the hot springs in Truth or Consequences show a flow rate of almost 99 liters (26 U.S. gallons) every second. Truth or Consequences had almost forty hot spring spas before World War II. The Hot Springs Association in Truth or Consequences had ten spa facilities as members as of 2008. Five of these sites—La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa (formerly Marshall Hot Springs), Riverbend Hot Springs, Indian Springs Bath House, Artesian Bath House, and Hay-Yo-kay Hot Springs—derived their water from free-flowing hot springs; five of them—wells.
Two geothermal energy demonstration projects run by the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources in Truth or Consequences during the 1980s. Originally committed to helping children with physical disabilities, the Carrie Tingley Hospital used state money to start a physical-therapy program in Truth or Consequences; but, this program has since moved to Albuquerque. The geothermal space heating system benefits the nearby Senior Citizen’s Center.
A city marked by historical importance and an unusual name that captures its unique appeal is Truth or Consequences. From its beginnings as a hot spring destination to its modern Fiesta celebrations, which regularly draw people through its natural beauty and cultural events, the city has changed. Whether one is savoring the therapeutic advantages of their hot springs or participating in the annual Fiesta, Truth or Consequences offers a special mix of relaxation, historical relevance, and community involvement, so establishing its uniqueness in New Mexico.
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